How to Use Cannabis at Each Phase of Your Menstrual Cycle

Weed can be a woman’s best friend — especially if you use it in conjunction with your moon cycle. It’s well known that cannabis can help ease the ups and downs of PMS, treat cramps, and make you feel better on your period. However, you can use cannabis to your advantage during other stages of your menstrual cycle, as well.

Every woman’s cycle goes through four distinct phases. The first phase is menstruation a.k.a. your period, during which your uterus sheds its inner lining of soft tissue and blood vessels. Next is the follicular phase, which overlaps with menstruation, but lasts a little more than twice as long. During this phase, your pituitary gland releases a hormone that stimulates growth in the egg cells in the ovaries. It takes about 13 days for one of these egg cells to reach maturity, and while it’s maturing its follicle releases another hormone telling the uterus to develop an endometrium, or lining of blood cells and soft tissue. The third phase is ovulation, which generally occurs for just one day right in the middle of your cycle. During this time, your ovary releases the mature egg cell, which then travels through the fallopian tube. The final stage is the luteal phase, which lasts around days 15 through 28 of your cycle. During the luteal phase, the released mature egg hangs out in the fallopian tube for 24 hours, and if it’s not fertilized, then it disintegrates. Meanwhile, the hormone that was maintaining the endometrium also gets used up and hence your period happens, starting the cycle all over again.

So what was the point of learning all that? Your body feels different at each phase of your menstrual cycle. You might feel horny around ovulation, tired during the luteal phase, cramp-y during menstruation, and emotional all around. Cannabis, in all its variation and different strains, can help with that.

Menstruation

During this time, your energy is the lowest. You likely want to rest more than usual, eat more than usual, and relax your body if you have cramps. A medicated bath using a product like Whoopi & Maya‘s cannabis lavender bath soak can help, or a cacao edible to both ease your cramps and lift your spirits. Some of the best strains for your period include White Widow, a sativa dominant hybrid to give you an energetic high or Orange Kush, an indica-dominant hybrid for deep muscle relaxation.

Follicular Phase

During this time as your estrogen and testosterone levels start to rise, you’ll feel a boost of energy along with improved mood and brain function. The testosterone will increase your libido and may also suppress your appetite. Women often feel good, if not great, during this phase of the moon cycle. To enhance these feelings, opt for a strain that will get you feeling creative, such as Jack Herer, or productive, like Sour Diesel. Or if you’re in the mood, find a strain like Purple Panty Dropper, to bring out your libido and make sex all the more enjoyable.

Ovulation

During this 24-hour phase your estrogen and testosterone levels will peak, and you’ll feel an even greater boost than you did during the follicular phase. You’ll feel great, you’ll look great, and your sex drive will also peak. This is a great time to take advantage of the confidence and energy you’ll feel this week. Take part in some physical activity like yoga, and perhaps integrate cannabis into your exercise. Or if you and a partner take advantage your high libido, try a product like Foria’s medicated lube to increase pleasure — just remember not to use it with latex condoms because they could rip.

Luteal Phase

The first half of this phase may feel like a pleasant come down from ovulation, as your estrogen and testosterone levels start to decline. Your body will produce progesterone, which is an anti-anxiety hormone, helping you to feel relaxed. However, the second half of this phase is perhaps the most difficult time of the month, next to menstruation. You’ll start to feel PMS like moodiness, bloating, anxiety, and headaches, and may crave munchies. Be kind to yourself during this time. Rub a topical cream into your cramps, or smoke a strain high in CBD or THCV like Durban Poison to suppress your appetite and curb those cravings if you’re already feeling bloated. A mellow indica-dominant hybrid may also help to enhance your mood and make your body feel better.